Outspoken comic, Mike Elliott, today announced plans to boot out Labour from a cash-strapped council.

Outspoken comic, Mike Elliott, today announced plans to boot out Labour from a cash-strapped council.

Mike, 55, is to stand to become elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council for the Tyneside Socialist Alliance.

Mike warned political rivals: "I aim to give you all a custard pie in the face."

He wanted to stand against ex-Cabinet member and Hartlepool Labour MP, Peter Mandelson, in last year's General Election, but his former employers, Century FM, talked him out of it.

Mike said: "I am a committed socialist and proud of it. This is a serious desire for change, not some publicity stunt. I was approached by the Socialist Alliance and asked if I'd be interested, so I decided to give it a go. It's about giving people more options and choice.

"There's a lot of decent staff and councillors at North Tyneside but I see a lot of arrogance among some senior figures, who could do with a kick up the backside.

"Nationally there's a backlash against New Labour. When their spin goes against them, they look for someone else to blame.

"A lot of decisions seemed to have been made behind closed doors at the council. We are seeing now that means no-one can be blamed when it goes wrong. I want more openness in local government.

"People do switch off from politics, but this is all about their lives and those of their kids and grandchildren."

Mike's reputation for opinionated and often foul-mouthed outbursts made him one of the North's most controversial presenters.

In the 1980s and 90s he stuck up for unfashionable left-wing causes, using humour to help him.

Mike, married to Lisa, is also a part-time drama teacher and an actor for Live Theatre and has appeared in TV shows such as Spender and Crocodile Shoes.

Mike will be up against Coun Michael Huscroft, of the Lib Dems, Coun Chris Morgan, for the Conservatives, Coun Eddie Darke, of Labour and Allan Pond, for the Independents, in the polls in May to decide the region's first elected Mayor.

The council has had problems since debts of &#xA3;4.5 million were uncovered last year, and is cutting 170 staff as part of &#xA3;11 million cuts.

Coun Darke, deputy council leader, said: "The more people who stand the better. I am up to Mike's challenge."

``North Tyneside has so many strengths, including the Tyne and the wonderful coastline. We have to accept that there is an opportunity if the Gaming Laws change, but in a way that is acceptable to people.

``I would like to see more jobs for men and women on the river and better use of tourism. The coastline has to be protected, but also developed to bring in wealth.

``But I have the greatest respect for councillors, whatever party. They could be at home, at work on in the pub, but instead they give up their time to serve the community."

Liberal Democrat candidate, Coun Michael Huscroft, said: ``It might be a spoiling tactic but I can't see Mike Elliott as being a serious contender."